Frequently Asked Questions
Where do nursing positions exist in New York State?
Do I have to take an examination in order to be hired as a nurse?
How do I apply for nursing positions?
How do I apply for higher level and non-direct care nursing titles?
What happens after I submit my nursing application(s)?
How long will it take to hear from an agency regarding employment opportunities?
What is a typical work schedule like for NYS nurses?
What opportunities are there for nurses to earn additional pay?
Where do nursing positions exist in New York State?
Registered Nurse (RN) positions exist within the State University system, the Department of Health, Office of Mental Health, Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, and the Department of Correctional Services. They also are located in the renowned Helen Hayes Rehabilitation hospital, four NYS Veterans homes, two schools for the Blind and Deaf and two world class research institutes.
To search for facilities near you, please see the Interactive Nursing Position Map.
Do I have to take an examination in order to be hired as a nurse?
While there are no written tests to take for RN and LPN positions, you must meet the announced minimum qualifications for each title and submit an application. The required minimum qualifications and application filing directions for each title are listed on the examination announcement. Personnel and/or Nursing staff at the agency will evaluate your application against a pre-approved rating scale and assign a test score. You will either be notified of this score in writing or contacted directly about your availability for a job interview. The more places you apply, the greater number of interviews you may have.
How do I apply for nursing positions?
You must submit an examination application (Form NYS-APP) in order to be considered further. You must submit an NYS-APP for each examination you are applying for. Please read the examination announcement carefully as it will tell you what information you need to provide to show you meet the minimum qualifications as well as where to send your completed application. For some positions you will send the application directly to the Department of Civil Service and for other positions you will send your application directly to the facility. For more information on the examinations and how to apply, visit nursing titles and specialty areas.
How do I apply for higher level and non-direct care nursing titles?
For higher level and most non-direct care nursing titles, we hold competitive written examinations on a 2-4 year cycle. To view these examination announcements (some of which will not include the word "Nurse" in the title), you should visit our list of open-competitive examination announcements every 2-3 weeks or sign up for the new announcement issue notification by email.
To view each exam announcement, click on the examination number and read the "Minimum Qualifications" to see if you qualify. Information as to the date and content of the actual test is listed on each exam announcement, as are the beginning salary, job locations, and a brief duties description.
What happens after I submit my nursing application(s)?
When the results from a test have been published, the names of passing candidates are arranged in score order from highest to lowest. When an agency with that title has a vacancy, they canvass the top scorers for interest in an interview. THIS IS NOT A JOB OFFER! It is an availability canvass to see who is still interested in interviewing for the job. You must reply to these canvasses or risk being removed from the list of eligible/interested candidates.
How long will it take to hear from an agency regarding employment opportunities?
There is no set timeframe for the hiring process as many factors come into play such as candidate score, geographic preference, number and frequency of agency vacancies, etc. After submitting your application you may follow up with either the Department of Civil Service or the facility to inquire about the status of your application. In addition, you can also contact agencies directly to indicate your interest in working at their facilities.
What is a typical work schedule like for NYS nurses?
We offer full-time and part-time employment in all titles and full benefits to employees working 20 or more hours per week.
What opportunities are there for nurses to earn additional pay?
Salaries for nursing positions are based on the job requirements and an employee's education, experience, and work location. The starting salary range is listed on the examination announcement for each nursing position vacancy. In addition, a shift pay differential is available for certain nurses who work the evening or night shifts at some agencies; amounts vary by agency and location. With facilities in many locations, New York State strives to offer salaries competitive with those in the private sector.